« | Psalm 125 | » |
1 A pilgrim song. Those who trust in GOD are like Zion Mountain: Nothing can move it, a rock-solid mountain you can always depend on.
2 Mountains encircle Jerusalem, and GOD encircles his people-- always has and always will.
3 The fist of the wicked will never violate What is due the righteous, provoking wrongful violence.
4 Be good to your good people, GOD, to those whose hearts are right!
5 GOD will round up the backsliders, corral them with the incorrigibles. Peace over Israel!
The Message (MSG)
The Message (MSG) is a contemporary, paraphrased translation of the Bible, crafted to bring the scriptures to life in modern, conversational English. Developed by pastor and scholar Eugene H. Peterson, The Message was published in segments starting in 1993, with the complete Bible released in 2002. Peterson’s aim was to make the Bible accessible and engaging for today’s readers, breaking down the barriers posed by traditional, formal language. His work sought to capture the original tone, rhythm, and intent of the biblical texts, presenting them in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.
One of the defining characteristics of The Message is its use of dynamic equivalence, focusing on conveying the thoughts and meanings behind the original texts rather than adhering to a word-for-word translation. This approach allows for the use of idiomatic expressions and modern phrasing, making the scriptures feel more relatable and immediate. Peterson, who had a deep understanding of both the biblical languages and modern culture, aimed to bridge the gap between the ancient world of the Bible and the everyday experiences of today’s readers.